Multiplex Control Unit USB Port Debug Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional small-sized electronic device designs face challenges in performing debug/programming tests after sealing, as removing the case is intricate and can cause water leakage or damage, and access openings compromise waterproofing and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a multiplex control unit that switches between transmission paths using a USB port, allowing external devices to connect for debug/programming tests without powering the device on, using a multiplex control unit with different usage modes to create specific transmission paths between the USB port and internal units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the case is hermetically sealed to protect the electronic device, then waterproofing and device integrity are improved, but access for debug/programming tests becomes difficult requiring case removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the case into two parts: a main case body and a removable cover. The cover can be detached to provide access to the USB port for debug/programming operations, while the main case body remains hermetically sealed to maintain waterproofing. This segmentation allows the device to achieve both waterproofing reliability and ease of access for maintenance.
2Ease of operation
If an access opening is disposed on the case to allow connection for testing/programming, then access for debug/programming is improved, but the beauty of the case is reduced and waterproofing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the USB port from the hermetically sealed main case body and places it on the removable cover. This allows the USB port to be accessible while the main case body maintains its waterproof integrity. The cover can be easily removed or opened to access the USB port without compromising the waterproofing of the main case, thus avoiding the need for complex waterproofing around access openings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the USB port is used for both general USB functions and debug/programming tests, then adaptability is improved, but transmission path switching becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multiplex control unit that enables the USB port to serve multiple functions: general USB communication with the central processing unit and debug/programming communication with the embedded control unit. The multiplex control unit dynamically switches the transmission path based on the operational mode, allowing a single USB port to fulfill multiple roles without requiring separate physical ports, thus achieving universality while managing complexity through intelligent control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a case containing a universal serial bus (USB) transmission port, an embedded control unit, a central processing unit, a power supply unit and a multiplex control unit. The multiplex control unit has a first usage mode and a second usage mode. The multiplex control unit is normally in the first usage mode, and switches to the second usage mode when a switch signal is received. In the first usage mode, the multiplex control unit is powered by the power supply unit, and the multiplex control unit builds up a first transmission path between the central control unit and the USB transmission port. In the second usage mode, the multiplex control unit is powered by an external device connected to the USB transmission port, and the multiplex control unit builds up a second transmission path between the embedded control unit and the USB transmission port.